Noah Lyles equals Michael Johnson, Sha’Carri Richardson also feted at prestigious US awards

Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles

ATHLETICS Noah Lyles equals Michael Johnson, Sha’Carri Richardson also feted at prestigious US awards

Joel Omotto 08:08 - 17.11.2023

World 100m and 200m champion Noah Lyles bagged another major award as compatriot Sha’Carri Richardson was also recognised at the American athletics gala.

World 100m and 200m champion Noah Lyles has expressed his delight at bagging a third Jesse Owens US Athlete of the Year award which saw him equal American sprint legend Michael Johnson.

Lyles added the prestigious award to the massive medal haul he collected this year, winning the Jesse Owens Award, given by USA Track & Field to the United States’ top male athlete, for the second consecutive year. Lyles joined Michael Johnson as the only men to win the honor three times.

“It’s an honor to receive my third Jesse Owens Award and to be associated with such a legendary athlete,” Lyles said in a statement released by his agency, Global Athletics.

“I want to thank USATF for this award, as well as my coach, Lance Brauman, my family, and everyone who supported me on this historic season. I couldn’t have done this alone, and I can’t wait to pick up right where we left off for 2024.”

Sha’Carri Richardson won the corresponding Jackie Joyner Kersee Award, given to the United States’ top female athlete, after winning the 100m at this summer’s World Championships in Budapest in a personal-best 10.65.

Lyles joined an exclusive club of double gold medallists in the 100m and 200m, asserting him as the fastest man in the world currently with his breakout victory in the 100m while maintaining his years-long dominance in the 200. He claimed a third gold in Budapest after anchoring Team USA to the 4X100m relay win.

More awards could be on the way for Lyles as he is among five finalists for the World Athletics Athlete of the Year Award.

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